Photos: Arizona Cardinals vs. Washington Redskins

Arizona Cardinals defensive tackle Robert Nkemdiche (90) tackles Washington Redskins quarterback Alex Smith (11) after he grew a pass during the third quarter at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. September 9. 2018.
Michael Chow/The Republic

Photos: Arizona Cardinals vs. Washington Redskins

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Sam Bradford (9) throws against the Washington Redskins during the third quarter at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. September 9. 2018.
Michael Chow/The Republic

Photos: Arizona Cardinals vs. Washington Redskins

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Sam Bradford (9) looks to pass against the Washington Redskins during the first quarter at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. September 9. 2018.
Michael Chow/The Republic

Photos: Arizona Cardinals vs. Washington Redskins

Arizona Cardinals running back David Johnson (31) is introduced before playing against the Washington Redskins at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. September 9. 2018.
Michael Chow/The Republic

Photos: Arizona Cardinals vs. Washington Redskins

Arizona Cardinals Christian Kirk watches the ball sail over his head against the Washington Redskins in the second half at State Farm Stadium.
Rob Schumacher/The Republic

Photos: Arizona Cardinals vs. Washington Redskins

Photos: Arizona Cardinals vs. Washington Redskins

Washington Redskins head coach Jay Gruden looks at his play sheet during the third quarter against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. September 9. 2018.
Michael Chow/The Republic

Photos: Arizona Cardinals vs. Washington Redskins

Washington Redskins punt returner Trey Quinn (14) gets injured during a return against the Arizona Cardinals during the third quarter at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. September 9. 2018.
Michael Chow/The Republic

Photos: Arizona Cardinals vs. Washington Redskins

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) is tackled by Washington Redskins defensive back D.J. Swearinger (36) after a catch during the third quarter at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. September 9. 2018.
Michael Chow/The Republic

Photos: Arizona Cardinals vs. Washington Redskins

An Arizona Cardinals fan argues for a call against the Washington Redskins during the third quarter at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. September 9. 2018.
Michael Chow/The Republic

Photos: Arizona Cardinals vs. Washington Redskins

Arizona Cardinals runnong back David Johnson is stopped by the Washington Redskins in the first half at State Farm Stadium.
Rob Schumacher/The Republic

Photos: Arizona Cardinals vs. Washington Redskins

Washington Redskins tight end Jordan Reed celebrates his touchdown catch against the Arizona Cardinals in the first half at State Farm Stadium.
Rob Schumacher/The Republic

Photos: Arizona Cardinals vs. Washington Redskins

Washington Redskins tight end Jordan Reed dives for a touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals in the first half at State Farm Stadium.
Rob Schumacher/The Republic

Photos: Arizona Cardinals vs. Washington Redskins

Washington Redskins fans cheer during the second quarter against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. September 9. 2018.
Michael Chow/The Republic

Photos: Arizona Cardinals vs. Washington Redskins

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Sam Bradford (9) throws a pass against the Washington Redskins during the second quarter at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. September 9. 2018.
Michael Chow/The Republic

Photos: Arizona Cardinals vs. Washington Redskins

Cardinals' Sam Bradford throws against the Redskins in the first half on Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018, at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz.
Sean Logan/The Republic

Photos: Arizona Cardinals vs. Washington Redskins

Redskins's Adrian Peterson rushes against the Cardinals in the first half on Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018, at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz.
Sean Logan/The Republic

Photos: Arizona Cardinals vs. Washington Redskins

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Sam Bradford (9) scrambles under pressure against the Washington Redskins during the first quarter at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. September 9. 2018.
Michael Chow/The Republic

Photos: Arizona Cardinals vs. Washington Redskins

Arizona Cardinals running back David Johnson (31) is tackled by Washington Redskins defensive back Montae Nicholson (35) during the first quarter at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. September 9. 2018.
Michael Chow/The Republic

Photos: Arizona Cardinals vs. Washington Redskins

Arizona Cardinals running back David Johnson (31) runs through a hole against the Washington Redskins during the first quarter at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. September 9. 2018.
Michael Chow/The Republic

Photos: Arizona Cardinals vs. Washington Redskins

Cindy McCain, wife of the late U.S. Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., embraces Arizona Cardinals' Larry Fitzgerald (11), Patrick Peterson (21), Corey Peters (98) and Chandler Jones (55) as an honorary team captain during the coin toss prior to an NFL football game against the Washington Redskins , Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz. Rob Schumacher/The Republic
AP

Photos: Arizona Cardinals vs. Washington Redskins

Cindy McCain, wife of the late U.S. Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., stands with Arizona Cardinals' Larry Fitzgerald (11), Patrick Peterson (21), Corey Peters (98) and Chandler Jones (55) as an honorary team captain as referee Walt Coleman tosses the coin prior to an NFL football game against the Washington Redskins , Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz. Rob Schumacher/The Republic
AP

Photos: Arizona Cardinals vs. Washington Redskins

Cindy McCain, wife of the late U.S. Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., stands with Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) as an honorary team captain during the coin toss prior to an NFL football game against the Washington Redskins, Sept. 9, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz.
Ross D. Franklin/Associated Press

Photos: Arizona Cardinals vs. Washington Redskins

Cindy McCain, wife of the late U.S. Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., stands with Arizona Cardinals and Washington Redskins players as an honorary team captain during the coin toss by referee Walt Coleman, left, prior to an NFL football game , Sept. 9, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz.
Ross D. Franklin/Associated Press

Photos: Arizona Cardinals vs. Washington Redskins

Cindy McCain, wife of the late U.S. Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., stands with Arizona Cardinals players' Larry Fitzgerald (11) and Patrick Peterson (21) as an honorary team captain during the coin toss prior to an NFL football game against the Washington Redskins, Sept. 9, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz.
Ross D. Franklin/Associated Press

Photos: Arizona Cardinals vs. Washington Redskins

Cindy McCain, wife of the late U.S. Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., talks with referee Walt Coleman as she walks out with Arizona Cardinals and Washington Redskins players as an honorary team captain for the coin toss prior to an NFL football game , Sept. 9, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz.
Ross D. Franklin/Associated Press

Photos: Arizona Cardinals vs. Washington Redskins

Cindy McCain, wife of the late U.S. Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., stands with Arizona Cardinals' Larry Fitzgerald (11), Patrick Peterson (21), Corey Peters (98) and Chandler Jones (55) as an honorary team captain as referee Walt Coleman tosses the coin prior to an NFL football game against the Washington Redskins, Sept. 9, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz.
Rob Schumacher/Associated Press

Photos: Arizona Cardinals vs. Washington Redskins

Cindy McCain, wife of the late U.S. Sen. John McCain, embraces Arizona Cardinals president Michael Bidwill prior to an NFL football game between the Washington Redskins and the Arizona Cardinals, Sept. 9, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz.
Ross D. Franklin/Associated Press

Photos: Arizona Cardinals vs. Washington Redskins

Cindy McCain, wife of the late U.S. Sen. John McCain, stands on the sidelines prior to an NFL football game between the Washington Redskins and the Arizona Cardinals, Sept. 9, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz.
Ross D. Franklin/Associated Press

Photos: Arizona Cardinals vs. Washington Redskins

Cindy McCain, wife of the late U.S. Sen. John McCain, talks with Arizona Cardinals president Michael Bidwill prior to an NFL football game between the Washington Redskins and the Arizona Cardinals, Sept. 9, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz.
Ross D. Franklin/Associated Press

Photos: Arizona Cardinals vs. Washington Redskins

Cindy McCain, wife of the late U.S. Sen. John McCain stands with Arizona Cardinals' Larry Fitzgerald (11), Patrick Peterson (21), Corey Peters (98) and Chandler Jones (55) as an honorary team captain as referee Walt Coleman tosses the coin prior to an NFL football game against the Washington Redskins, Sept. 9, 2018, in Glendale.
Rob Schumacher/The Republic

Photos: Arizona Cardinals vs. Washington Redskins

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Sam Bradford (9) warms up before playing against the Washington Redskins at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. September 9. 2018.
Michael Chow/The Republic

Photos: Arizona Cardinals vs. Washington Redskins

Arizona Cardinals head coach Steve Wilks shakes hands with offensive guard Justin Pugh (67) before playing against the Washington Redskins at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. September 9. 2018.
Michael Chow/The Republic

Photos: Arizona Cardinals vs. Washington Redskins

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Sam Bradford (9) warms up before playing against the Washington Redskins at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. September 9. 2018.
Michael Chow/The Republic

Photos: Arizona Cardinals vs. Washington Redskins

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) warms up before playing against the Washington Redskins at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. September 9. 2018.
Michael Chow/The Republic

Photos: Arizona Cardinals vs. Washington Redskins

Cindy McCain walks out as an honorary Arizona Cardinals captain for the coin toss with the Washington Redskins at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. September 9. 2018.
Michael Chow/The Republic

Photos: Arizona Cardinals vs. Washington Redskins

Arizona Cardinals running back David Johnson (31) runs through a hole against the Washington Redskins during the first quarter at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. September 9. 2018.
Michael Chow/The Republic

Photos: Arizona Cardinals vs. Washington Redskins

Washington Redskins running back Adrian Peterson (26) stiff arms Arizona Cardinals defensive back Antoine Bethea (41) on a run during the first quarter at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. September 9. 2018.
Michael Chow/The Republic

Photos: Arizona Cardinals vs. Washington Redskins

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) warms up before playing against the Washington Redskins at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. September 9. 2018.
Michael Chow/The Republic

Photos: Arizona Cardinals vs. Washington Redskins

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) shakes out his hair before playing against the Washington Redskins at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. September 9. 2018.
Michael Chow/The Republic

Photos: Arizona Cardinals vs. Washington Redskins

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) warms up before playing against the Washington Redskins at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. September 9. 2018.
Michael Chow/The Republic

Interested in this topic? You may also want to view these photo galleries:

Photos: Arizona Cardinals vs. Washington Redskins

Arizona Cardinals defensive tackle Robert Nkemdiche (90) tackles Washington Redskins quarterback Alex Smith (11) after he grew a pass during the third quarter at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. September 9. 2018.

Wide receivers?

Sunday's game showed that there are still a lot of questions about any wide receiver not named Larry Fitzgerald. The Cardinals struggled to keep their offense on the field, but in the time they were out there, Christian Kirk and Chad Williams were only targeted five times total.

J.J. Nelson, who has been deployed as a deep threat in the past, only saw the field for one play.

"The biggest thing behind that was just the situation in the game," Wilks said. "Once we got down, it took the game plan out for what we had for J.J. and what we were trying to do with him."

While a 21-point deficit at halftime would seem like a good time to mix in deep plays, Wilks felt based off what the Washington defense was showing, his team needed to focus on throwing it underneath.

The Cardinals brought in a few wide receivers to work out last week, but Wilks said they're happy with the five they have, and that was a way to keep the back end of the roster and the practice squad fresh.

Injury updates

Right tackle Andre Smith underwent an MRI on his elbow on Monday after leaving Sunday's game during the fourth quarter. Wilks said there were no other injuries to report.

Tight end Jermaine Gresham and defensive end Markus Golden both were among the inactives. Gresham had been probable in the week leading up. Whenever he does return, Wilks thinks he'll help in more ways than just being another potential target for Sam Bradford.

"Number one, his leadership, just being out there on the football field is a major plus for us – him and Markus (Golden) as well," Wilks said. "We miss them, but we’ve got to continue to move forward, but that’s what he’ll bring. And again, I think he is a physical guy. He’s going to give us that blocking at the point of attack in that tight end position.”

Focus for this week

The Cardinals had just 213 yards of total offense, while allowing 429 to Washington. There's a lot to correct this week in all facets of the game. Wilks indicated that he was not jumping to overhaul anything and spent Monday reiterating fundamentals.

"I really think it's just making sure that guys are understanding the game plan from an execution standpoint," Wilks said.

He cited some specific areas of focus – better tackling, more physicality on the line – but in general, Wilks shouldered the blame himself.

"Coaches are going to go back and reteach it, and make sure that we're doing the right thing, starting with myself, like I said last night, and put these guys in a position to be successful," he said.

Rams watch

The Cardinals were able to watch with the rest of the world as the Rams, Arizona's upcoming opponent, made their 2018 debut. Los Angeles played Monday night against the Raiders, a team the Cardinals beat in the preseason.

Earlier on Monday, Wilks said he didn't think watching live would change too much of how he would break down film on the Rams.

"I think watching it live sometimes gives you a little feel of some things that you may not be able to hear, of course, on the film, which is cadence and certain things," Wilks said.

"Sometimes you get a feel, even from the announcers, and some of the things that are going on. But, I think more or less, it’s just the tempo of the game, how they’re substituting and then some of the cadence stuff that you don’t normally hear.”

Wilks knows the first divisional game of the year will provide a big test.

“They’re very talented," he said of the Rams. "They’ve got the Defensive Player of the Year in (Aaron) Donald, and they added (Ndamukong) Suh, (Aqib) Talib on the outside, and then (Marcus) Peters. So, they’re talented. We’re going to have our hands full this week, but again, we’ve got talented guys as well."

The Cardinals players that Wilks will be putting his trust in said they would be watching the game, as well.

"A lot of guys will probably watch it. I just like watching football anyway, so I’ll definitely watch it," safety Budda Baker said.